All the basketball action continued at the BWB Africa 2016 camp in Luanda, Angola with Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets), Thabo Sefolosha (Atlanta Hawks) and Bismack Biyombo (Orlando Magic) heading back to Pavilhão Multiusos do Kilamba on Thursday morning. The NBA players participated in a life skills seminar, hosted by Hoops 4 Hope, which this time focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness.

Following the morning life skills session, the young campers spent an hour learning basketball fundamentals and skills necessary to be successful playing multiple positions. The energy was palpable at the arena as the campers kept working on specific drills under a dedicated eye of NBA coaches, players, legends and team personnel. When finally the first set of camp games took place early afternoon one could feel the competitive spirit raising high. Bismack Biyombo and former NBA player Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria) could not find their space on the sidelines while looking for various ways of additional encouragement and motivation for their young teams.

“These kids that are participating in Basketball without Borders have the potential to do great things, all we have to do is encourage them and instil the confidence in them that they can achieve anything as long as they believe in themselves” said Bismack Biyombo.

The girls’ camp continued simultaneously and WNBA legends Astou Ndiaye (Senegal) and Jenn Lacy (USA) took on the coaching roles while the girls engaged in scrimmages and games throughout the day.

“I am excited to be part of the first ever Basketball without Borders in Angola and very happy to see the number of girls that are participating in it. I know we still have some work to do with the girls, but the potential I have seen here today is incredible” said Ndiaye.

“What these young girls are able to achieve on the court in such a short period of time is very impressive. What we are also doing during this camp is helping to develop them into responsible members of their communities” added NBA Global Ambassador Dikembe Mutombo.

The NBA delegation spent afternoon at Blue Horizon Orphanage and School, where they had a chance to interact with the youth, participate in campus refurbishment projects and experience traditional Angolan culture. Some of the key items NBA Cares donated to Blue Horizon included art supplies, basketball equipment, school supplies and NBA merchandise.

The players and campers will be back on the court at the Kilamba Arena tomorrow morning for yet another day of basketball action and NBA Cares community outreach projects.